The U.S. Navy has awarded General Dynamics Bath Iron Works a contract valued at $2.8 billion for the construction of four Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, with an option for a fifth ship. General Dynamics Bath Iron Works is a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD).

“This contract adds four ships to our workload in a fiscally challenging and highly competitive environment, and provides a clearer picture of our near-term future,” said Jeff Geiger, president of Bath Iron Works. “Continuation of the DDG 51 program provides important work for the men and women of Bath Iron Works and allows us to extend our record of delivering these critical surface combatants to the U.S. Navy.”

The option for the fifth ship, if exercised, would bring the total value of the contract to approximately $3.5 billion.

Geiger said the work of Maine’s congressional delegation was critical in support of the multi-year procurement approach.

“We appreciate the strong support of our senators and representatives, who have been instrumental in educating their colleagues and others about the vital national-security need for a strong naval fleet, and their advocacy on behalf of the shipbuilders of Maine,” Geiger said.

There are currently two DDG 51 destroyers in production at Bath Iron Works, Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) and Thomas Hudner (DDG 116). The shipyard began fabrication on DDG 115 in November 2011, and delivery to the Navy is scheduled for 2016. Fabrication on DDG 116 began in November 2012, and that ship is scheduled to be delivered to the Navy in 2017.